Heathrow to the Bailey’s Hotel, Kensington
 

>> Is it advisable to take the London express to Paddington and then take a cab to the hotel . . . <<

Absolutely not!

The tube would be as easy as any possible trip -- since the hotel is practically on top of the Gloucester Rd tube station. So either take the tube -- OR prebook a car service like justairports.com The car service will cost more than the tube, but be much easier and cheaper than the Heathrow Express plus a taxi.

Piccadilly line to Gloucester Road station. Bailey's is around the corner to the south. Once settled in, take refreshment at the Hereford Arms pub (that's the breed of cow on the sign) which has above-average food and a nice choice of Fuller's and other beers.Just across Gloucester Road and a little further south. My favorite area.
https://www.herefordarms.co.uk/

I love the Hereford Arms. It can get crazy busy in there, if you want to eat you should definitely book a table.

There is a really good Thai restaurant on Cromwell Road, close by - Thai Taste. I often stay in that area for my first night and go first to Hereford Arms for a drink then Thai Taste for the corn fritters and curry.
https://www.thaitasterestaurant.co.uk/

Rialtogrl- thanks for the recommendation- will certainly give it a try . I am still trying to pull things together . Don’t want to plan everything but enough so we have options .